Florida A&M lost to Tennessee State in the 2012 season opener on Saturday, 17-14. The Rattlers went scoreless in the first half before making a rally in the third and fourth quarters, scoring a touchdown in each period. Tennessee State was able to hold on, thanks to a 10-point third quarter of their own.
FAMU had a slight advantage in the ground game, going for 140 yards on 32 carries, compared to Tennessee State's 138 yards on 42 carries. It was the passing game where the Rattlers couldn't quite hang in there. FAMU's defense gave up 263 passing yards and 401 yards of total offense.
Tyler Bass hooked up with Travis Harvey for a 13-yard touchdown toss in the third quarter to cut Tennessee State's lead to 17-7. Damian Fleming and Michael Ethridge connected on an 8-yard touchdown pass that threatened TSU's lead, but the Rattlers weren't able to complete the comeback.
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